MINISTER-PRESIDENT

His Excellency Mr Donald Tusk President of the European Council & His Excellency Mr Jean-Claude Juncker President of the European Commission BRUSSELS

No.: 3201332 The Hague, 20 April 2017

Your Excellencies,

It is my pleasure to inform you of the Netherlands’ candidacy to host the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in Amsterdam.

The EMA plays an essential role within the EU’s public health system. The continuity of its processes is of vital importance to patients, member states and businesses alike, and must be handled with great care.

With its outstanding international travel connections and excellent working and living conditions, the Amsterdam metropolitan area meets all the requirements of the Agency and its staff. As one of the most active national regulatory agencies in the EU, the Dutch Medicines Evaluation Board is fully prepared to support the work of the EMAas a strong and independent regulator, safeguarding the proper functioning of the EU pharmaceutical system.

The Netherlands is aware that relocation of the EMAposes major challenges for the agency’s critical operations. Uncertainty about the move is already affecting the work and family life of its 900 staff. It is therefore crucial that the European Council decide on the EMA’s new location as swiftly as possible once the Commission has assessed the candidates on the basis of objective criteria. 1 would encourage the Commission to involve the EMAin determining these criteria.

1 firmly believe that the Netherlands is equipped to provide all the conditions necessary to enable the EMAto perform its work as effectively as possible.

Binnenhof 19 Postbus 20001 2500EA Den Haag

T 0703564100

F 0703564683 The Netherlands will do everything in its power to facilitate a smooth and efficient transition from the UK to our country, in order to ensure full operational continuity both for the agency and the large number of scientific experts involved. A move to the Netherlands would also enable the EMA’s staff to move easily and settle down quickly within an internationally oriented society.

Let me close by assuring you that the Netherlands stands ready to support a transparent, objective and swift decision-making process on the EMA’s relocation.

Please accept, Your Excellencies, the assurances of my highest consideration.

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Mark Rutte Prime Minister of the Netherlands